"Just booked in for the yearly MOT and Service. I opted for the guys to pick up my car from my house (at no extra cost). Throughout the day, I was well informed of the status of my car, and whether if I wanted any work done. I did not feel pressured for extra work to be carried out. Payment was quick and easy - done over the phone. Will happily go with the Solihull branch for any works or when service is due!"

What is brake fluid?

Car brakes on your car use fluid pressure to work. When a car’s brake pedal is pushed, a plunger in the brake’s master cylinder pressurises the brake fluid that resides in the hoses and pipes to make the other components of the braking system move.

How long does brake fluid last?

This varies from car to car, but most manufacturers suggest that the fluid is replaced at least every couple of years. Although the fluid is in a sealed system, moisture can still find its way in. It corrodes components over time and decreases the temperature at which the fluid is supposed to boil. Furthermore, as the internal components of the braking system wear out, debris contaminates the fluid, jamming everything up. All of this impacts on how well the brakes function, particularly in constant stop-start traffic with heavy braking.

What are the possible signs that a car needs new, or more, brake fluid?

If the brakes on a car feel in any way as though they are not functioning correctly.

When the car’s brakes are spongy when pressed.

When fluid is new, it has a light amber colour to it, so that is what to look out for.

As the light amber fluid darkens, which is a sign of contamination, the need to change it increases.

If the fluid ever becomes darker than brown, or even black, then it should be changed immediately.

How long does it take to change brake fluid?

The fluid can be easily replaced in around 15-30 minutes, depending on the vehicle.

How much does brake fluid cost?

The fluid is relatively inexpensive, certainly compared to the cost of replacing a corroded master cylinder, so it’s important to keep an eye on it.

The cost can vary from vehicle to vehicle but should be less than £50.

About Skoda

Skoda has a long and storied history producing cars that are sold around the world! One of the five oldest companies producing cars today, with an unbroken history right alongside Daimler, Opel, Peugeot, and Tatra, the Skoda Works were initially established as an arms manufacturing plant in 1859. Since 1990 they’ve been part of the Volkswagen group, and this Czech brand is now known for producing a fine range of excellent value, high quality cars.

The current range comprises everything from the compact Fabia to the incredibly spacious Superb Estate with a mix of off-road and high-performance cars thrown in for good measure. The practical Yeti is an agile SUV with off-road capability, while the Octavia VRS offers sharp sports car speed.

On top of all that, customer satisfaction has consistently helped Skoda rank highly against more established competitors.

What do you need from your garage?

This might sound like a question with an obvious answer: you need a garage that can service or repair your car quickly and
at a good price. But think again and you may realise there are other factors that affect your choice of garage in Chessington. If
you need to bring your son or daughter with you when you take your car in, are there toys in the waiting room? If you’re
dropping the car off between school and work, can you pick up a cup of coffee while you’re there? Might the garage even collect
your car and drop it back at your house after the work is done? You can find answers to all these questions on BookMyGarage.